On August 11, 2014, the world lost Robin Williams — a brilliantly gifted performer whose passing left an enormous void in the entertainment world. Celebrated for unforgettable roles in films like Good Will Hunting, Dead Poets Society, and Aladdin, he remains one of the most influential and admired actors of all time.
Born on July 21, 1951, in Chicago, Robin was the son of Laurie McLaurin and Robert Fitzgerald Williams. He grew up in Robbins, Illinois, surrounded by a large extended family that he would go on to cherish deeply throughout his life.
Facts About Robin Williams:
- Widely regarded as one of the most influential and admired actors of all time, Robin Williams was 63 when he died.
- Williams walked down the aisle three times over the course of his life — first with Valerie Velardi, then with the couple's nanny Marsha Garces, and lastly with graphic designer Susan Schneider. Although he and Susan don't have any children together, Williams fathered three children between Velardi and Garces.
- His death, an apparent suicide, took place at his home in Paradise Cay, California and came without warning. Robin Williams's personal assistant forced entry into Robin's room after he failed to respond to knocks.
- A subsequent autopsy revealed that Williams had been living with an undiagnosed and progressive form of Lewy body disease. This condition is a progressive type of dementia that ranks as the second most common form, trailing only Alzheimer's disease. Those affected by Lewy body disease frequently exhibit symptoms resembling Parkinson's disease, along with hallucinations and mood changes.
- The sheer size and devotion of Robin Williams's fan base made his death all the more shocking to the public.
- Over the preceding nine years, Williams had racked up appearances in more than 40 films and more than 200 TV shows.
- Known for pouring every ounce of himself into his craft, he rightfully earned his place as one of the best actors of his generation.
- Following Robin Williams's death, President Barack Obama issued a public statement expressing his sadness. He noted that Williams had been one of his favorite actors and offered praise for Robin Williams's extraordinary artistry and talent.
10. True or False: Robin Williams suffered from depression since his childhood.
Answer: True
Explanation: Depression plagued Robin Williams from a young age, following him through his teenage years and into early adulthood.